Fenwick Iribarren Architects (FIA) has appointed Carlos Muriel as Managing Director one year on from its acquisition by Egis.
The announcement comes in the year FIA celebrates its 35th anniversary, marking a milestone that consolidates its position as one of the Spanish architecture firms with the strongest international profile.
Carlos Muriel’s appointment forms part of FIA’s strategic roadmap for long-term transition and expansion, designed to strengthen the organisation, broaden its capabilities and drive its international growth, while ensuring continuity of the firm’s successful legacy.
Madrid (Spain)-based Fenwick Iribarren Architects, founded in 1990 by Architects Mark Fenwick and Javier Iribarren, is a nationally and internationally recognized architectural design studio.
The famed design firm was tasked with designing three Qatar 2022 stadia and participates in many distinguished national and international projects.
Mark Fenwick, co-founder of FIA, will remain closely involved with the studio, ensuring a smooth transition and supporting the development of the firm’s principal ongoing projects.
Meanwhile, Javier Iribarren concluded his professional career at FIA at the end of 2025, after more than 35 years of shared leadership.
Carlos Muriel, an architect by training, has held senior leadership roles at renowned international architecture firms and multidisciplinary design companies such as Studio Odile Decq, Studio PDP, Farrells, ATKINS and TYPSA.
He brings to FIA extensive experience leading major, large-scale projects in the United Kingdom, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America.
Most recently, as Director for Europe at the British firm Buckley Gray Yeoman, Muriel played a key role in establishing the studio’s presence in Madrid and expanding its international portfolio.
Muriel said, “It is an honour to take on the role of Managing Director of FIA at such an exciting and strategic moment for the studio. My commitment is to preserve Mark and Javier’s legacy, strengthen our team, and drive a new era of international expansion and architectural excellence.”
The structural changes at FIA reflect a natural transition process within the Egis Group, following the contribution of Mark Fenwick and Javier Iribarren, whose leadership has shaped the strong national and international positioning of the firm over the past 35 years.
Mark Fenwick said, “The integration of FIA into the Egis Group strengthens our commitment to innovation in architecture and to designing infrastructure with global impact. The arrival of Carlos Muriel is a key driver of this strategy.
“After 35 years of an exceptional trajectory, FIA is entering a new stage full of opportunities. With Egis’ integration and Carlos’ leadership, we ensure that the innovative spirit and excellence that have always defined us will continue to evolve into the future.”
Javier Iribarren added, “It has been a privilege to build this studio alongside an extraordinary team. I leave with the satisfaction of a lifetime’s work and complete confidence that Carlos and the Egis structure will take FIA to new horizons.”
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